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WR Matthew Golden, GB (2 Viewers)

a good, not great WR prospect. Legitimately have Higgins ranked above him, but still a lot to like.

#1 is laughable. That GM is either a terrible liar, or is a now unemployed GM
 
King of the Jungle said:
Soulfly3 said:
a good, not great WR prospect. Legitimately have Higgins ranked above him, but still a lot to like.

#1 is laughable. That GM is either a terrible liar, or is a now unemployed GM
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Nope, I am still the active GM of my FF team.
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I don't mind a fellow fantasy man having him at #1, tho I'd disagree.

But I have issue w a man whose entire life & career is to assess these guys and say he's #1 for real football
 
Soulfly3 said:
King of the Jungle said:
Soulfly3 said:
a good, not great WR prospect. Legitimately have Higgins ranked above him, but still a lot to like.

#1 is laughable. That GM is either a terrible liar, or is a now unemployed GM
Click to expand...
Nope, I am still the active GM of my FF team.
Click to expand...

I don't mind a fellow fantasy man having him at #1, tho I'd disagree.

But I have issue w a man whose entire life & career is to assess these guys and say he's #1 for real football
Click to expand...
Understood. I don’t myself very seriously with this stuff and wouldn’t expect anyone else to. Weaker class so I imagine there will be a wide range of rankings at that position.
 
King of the Jungle said:
Steve Smith Sr.’s #1 receiver in this class. Link
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My rankings very often align w Steve, we tens to have guys high that the consensus doesn't... But we don't exactly see eye to eye here w Golden.
Which means I need to take another look to see if I'm missing something, or being biased.

I like Golden, a lot... But not #1 like him. Interesting.
 
Soulfly3 said:
King of the Jungle said:
Steve Smith Sr.’s #1 receiver in this class. Link
Click to expand...

My rankings very often align w Steve, we tens to have guys high that the consensus doesn't... But we don't exactly see eye to eye here w Golden.
Which means I need to take another look to see if I'm missing something, or being biased.

I like Golden, a lot... But not #1 like him. Interesting.
Click to expand...
In most classes I do not think Golden would be in the discussion for the top wr, however this is a rough class at the top. Golden is one of the better route runners in this class imo, his stats were underwhelming but I put a lot of the blame on Ewers for that. The guy gets open and makes plays when given the opportunity. He was my number one before the combine and did not think he played as fast as his timed speed. I do not think he is a world beater, but neither is the rest of the class.
 
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Just watching 2-3 condensed games of his tape lets you almost write off his lack of stats. It's also what had me move Ewers so low he's practically undraftable for me, even in SF. It wasn't just holding Golden back from reaching his potential; it was actively damaging his ability to perform nearly every game.

I do like Golden, and think he could be a WR1 with a good landing spot/offense. Golden is neck and neck with Egbuka for my rookie WR1 at this point. Grains of salt served with that statement are I'm historically lower than consensus on guys who profile like Tet; and even having Golden/Egbuka as WR1A/B, I'm still not likely to draft either in the top 5/6 as I have most of that top tier of non-Jeanty RBs ahead of them.
 
Grok query: Who are the NFL players that Texas WR Matthew Golden is compared to?
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Answer:
Matthew Golden, the Texas wide receiver, has been compared to several NFL players based on his playing style, skills, and physical attributes. Here are the players he’s most frequently likened to, as noted in various scouting reports and online discussions:

1. **Antonio Brown**: Golden’s route-running precision, quick-twitch ability, and playmaking after the catch have drawn comparisons to Antonio Brown. Some observers highlight his ability to separate from defenders and his sophisticated understanding of tempo, reminiscent of Brown’s prime with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Posts on X have also mentioned this comparison, noting Golden’s slightly taller frame and faster 40-yard dash time (4.29 seconds) compared to Brown’s 4.47.

2. **Stefon Diggs**: Scouts and analysts have pointed to Golden’s smooth route-running, separation skills, and versatility as giving off “Stefon Diggs vibes.” This comparison comes from his ability to win at all levels of the field and his sharp cuts, similar to Diggs’ style with the Houston Texans and previously the Buffalo Bills. An NFL scout reportedly cited this likeness, per posts on X.

3. **Terry McLaurin**: Golden’s combination of speed, reliable hands, and ability to make plays in clutch moments has led to comparisons with Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders. This is particularly noted in his capacity to stretch the field and create explosive plays, as highlighted in discussions on X.

4. **Greg Jennings**: In a scouting report from Steelers Depot, Golden’s diverse skill set, consistent ability to get open, and immediate impact potential draw parallels to former Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings. This comparison emphasizes his potential as a high-impact starter early in his NFL career.

5. **Dyami Brown**: Mentioned in a statesman.com scouting report, Golden shares traits with Dyami Brown of the Washington Commanders, particularly in terms of speed and route-running ability, though Golden’s overall polish and production at Texas may suggest a higher ceiling.

6. **Garrett Wilson**: Also from statesman.com, Golden’s agility and separation skills echo Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets, focusing on his ability to create space and make contested catches.

7. **Michael Gallup**: Another comparison from statesman.com, Golden’s physicality and knack for big plays align with former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup, though Golden’s speed (4.29 vs. Gallup’s 4.51) sets him apart.

These comparisons stem from Golden’s standout traits: his elite speed (4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine), excellent route-running, reliable hands, and explosive playmaking ability, as demonstrated during his 2024 season at Texas where he led the team with 987 yards and 9 touchdowns on 58 receptions. While no single comparison perfectly captures him, these players reflect the blend of skills that make Golden a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Someone help me here... I need help, I'm begging.

If you're into scouting reports and such and play dynasty you've likely seen me BEG you to take guys like Tank Dell and Zay Flowers WAYYYYY ahead of consensus, because of basically the exact traits Golden seems to have.

Why then am I not gushing over this guy? Granted, I absolutely hated watching texas play, as ewers made me nauseous as a QB, so I'm worrying this affected my eyes and heart.

Talk me into Golden, he's the (type of) guy who I have been telling you to draft in the last 2-3 offseasons

eta: I can tell you off the hop 1 thing I dont like - for a guy who is supposed to be lightening fast, he's seemingly always caught by defenders when he's sprinting downfield after making the catch. he separates well, great hands... but then he makes these catches that i expect to become a td, and he's caught 3-5yds later by a CB/safety. what gives? long speed doodoo?
 
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Soulfly3 said:
Someone help me here... I need help, I'm begging.

If you're into scouting reports and such and play dynasty you've likely seen me BEG you to take guys like Tank Dell and Zay Flowers WAYYYYY ahead of consensus, because of basically the exact traits Golden seems to have.

Why then am I not gushing over this guy? Granted, I absolutely hated watching texas play, as ewers made me nauseous as a QB, so I'm worrying this affected my eyes and heart.

Talk me into Golden, he's the (type of) guy who I have been telling you to draft in the last 2-3 offseasons

eta: I can tell you off the hop 1 thing I dont like - for a guy who is supposed to be lightening fast, he's seemingly always caught by defenders when he's sprinting downfield after making the catch. he separates well, great hands... but then he makes these catches that i expect to become a td, and he's caught 3-5yds later by a CB/safety. what gives? long speed doodoo?
Click to expand...
1. We have been spoiled by some great receiver classes as of late, this is not one of them. Sometimes you have to date a six if that is what is available.
2. I pointed to the fact that I was shocked he ran as fast as he did in the 40, because he does not have that game speed. This is not necessarily a negative as he seems to have decent game speed, but he is not “house” threat on every play like some previous speed merchants.

What I liked about him from what I saw is he got open quite a bit and made big plays in big moments. I think Ewers held him back quite on the stat sheet. If he were in last years class I think he would have fell between 6-8 in rankings, which just shows the lack of quality this year compared to last.
 
King of the Jungle said:
Soulfly3 said:
Someone help me here... I need help, I'm begging.

If you're into scouting reports and such and play dynasty you've likely seen me BEG you to take guys like Tank Dell and Zay Flowers WAYYYYY ahead of consensus, because of basically the exact traits Golden seems to have.

Why then am I not gushing over this guy? Granted, I absolutely hated watching texas play, as ewers made me nauseous as a QB, so I'm worrying this affected my eyes and heart.

Talk me into Golden, he's the (type of) guy who I have been telling you to draft in the last 2-3 offseasons

eta: I can tell you off the hop 1 thing I dont like - for a guy who is supposed to be lightening fast, he's seemingly always caught by defenders when he's sprinting downfield after making the catch. he separates well, great hands... but then he makes these catches that i expect to become a td, and he's caught 3-5yds later by a CB/safety. what gives? long speed doodoo?
Click to expand...
1. We have been spoiled by some great receiver classes as of late, this is not one of them. Sometimes you have to date a six if that is what is available.
2. I pointed to the fact that I was shocked he ran as fast as he did in the 40, because he does not have that game speed. This is not necessarily a negative as he seems to have decent game speed, but he is not “house” threat on every play like some previous speed merchants.

What I liked about him from what I saw is he got open quite a bit and made big plays in big moments. I think Ewers held him back quite on the stat sheet. If he were in last years class I think he would have fell between 6-8 in rankings, which just shows the lack of quality this year compared to last.
Click to expand...

He's SO not a sub 4.3 guy on the field. He's quick in the short game, yes... separates well (and I LOVE a crisp route runner), but damn... he looks slow-ish after the catch for a guy with that speed.
I mean, listen... With some elite level NFL training this IS the type of guy who could maybe improve his speed a bit, especially ATC.

My biggest issue is I'm sitting at the 3 spot, and if both the RBs are gone, I don't know if I should pull the trigger on Tet, Burden, Golden... or take one o fthe Ohio RBs pending their landing spot. I like to go WR if possible, but Hampton is my target
 
Soulfly3 said:
King of the Jungle said:
Soulfly3 said:
Someone help me here... I need help, I'm begging.

If you're into scouting reports and such and play dynasty you've likely seen me BEG you to take guys like Tank Dell and Zay Flowers WAYYYYY ahead of consensus, because of basically the exact traits Golden seems to have.

Why then am I not gushing over this guy? Granted, I absolutely hated watching texas play, as ewers made me nauseous as a QB, so I'm worrying this affected my eyes and heart.

Talk me into Golden, he's the (type of) guy who I have been telling you to draft in the last 2-3 offseasons

eta: I can tell you off the hop 1 thing I dont like - for a guy who is supposed to be lightening fast, he's seemingly always caught by defenders when he's sprinting downfield after making the catch. he separates well, great hands... but then he makes these catches that i expect to become a td, and he's caught 3-5yds later by a CB/safety. what gives? long speed doodoo?
Click to expand...
1. We have been spoiled by some great receiver classes as of late, this is not one of them. Sometimes you have to date a six if that is what is available.
2. I pointed to the fact that I was shocked he ran as fast as he did in the 40, because he does not have that game speed. This is not necessarily a negative as he seems to have decent game speed, but he is not “house” threat on every play like some previous speed merchants.

What I liked about him from what I saw is he got open quite a bit and made big plays in big moments. I think Ewers held him back quite on the stat sheet. If he were in last years class I think he would have fell between 6-8 in rankings, which just shows the lack of quality this year compared to last.
Click to expand...

He's SO not a sub 4.3 guy on the field. He's quick in the short game, yes... separates well (and I LOVE a crisp route runner), but damn... he looks slow-ish after the catch for a guy with that speed.
I mean, listen... With some elite level NFL training this IS the type of guy who could maybe improve his speed a bit, especially ATC.

My biggest issue is I'm sitting at the 3 spot, and if both the RBs are gone, I don't know if I should pull the trigger on Tet, Burden, Golden... or take one o fthe Ohio RBs pending their landing spot. I like to go WR if possible, but Hampton is my target
Click to expand...
My thoughts on him are, especially watching highlights, that he’s slowing down because Ewers underthrows him soooooo often.
 
Grahamburn said:
Soulfly3 said:
King of the Jungle said:
Soulfly3 said:
Someone help me here... I need help, I'm begging.

If you're into scouting reports and such and play dynasty you've likely seen me BEG you to take guys like Tank Dell and Zay Flowers WAYYYYY ahead of consensus, because of basically the exact traits Golden seems to have.

Why then am I not gushing over this guy? Granted, I absolutely hated watching texas play, as ewers made me nauseous as a QB, so I'm worrying this affected my eyes and heart.

Talk me into Golden, he's the (type of) guy who I have been telling you to draft in the last 2-3 offseasons

eta: I can tell you off the hop 1 thing I dont like - for a guy who is supposed to be lightening fast, he's seemingly always caught by defenders when he's sprinting downfield after making the catch. he separates well, great hands... but then he makes these catches that i expect to become a td, and he's caught 3-5yds later by a CB/safety. what gives? long speed doodoo?
Click to expand...
1. We have been spoiled by some great receiver classes as of late, this is not one of them. Sometimes you have to date a six if that is what is available.
2. I pointed to the fact that I was shocked he ran as fast as he did in the 40, because he does not have that game speed. This is not necessarily a negative as he seems to have decent game speed, but he is not “house” threat on every play like some previous speed merchants.

What I liked about him from what I saw is he got open quite a bit and made big plays in big moments. I think Ewers held him back quite on the stat sheet. If he were in last years class I think he would have fell between 6-8 in rankings, which just shows the lack of quality this year compared to last.
Click to expand...

He's SO not a sub 4.3 guy on the field. He's quick in the short game, yes... separates well (and I LOVE a crisp route runner), but damn... he looks slow-ish after the catch for a guy with that speed.
I mean, listen... With some elite level NFL training this IS the type of guy who could maybe improve his speed a bit, especially ATC.

My biggest issue is I'm sitting at the 3 spot, and if both the RBs are gone, I don't know if I should pull the trigger on Tet, Burden, Golden... or take one o fthe Ohio RBs pending their landing spot. I like to go WR if possible, but Hampton is my target
Click to expand...
My thoughts on him are, especially watching highlights, that he’s slowing down because Ewers underthrows him soooooo often or just leaves the ball hanging in the air with no zip at all.
Click to expand...
Huge UT fan here.

Fixed your post.
 
Greg Cossell likes him a lot film and believes he will ascend once he gets into the NFL.

He said the same thing about Brian Thomas last season.
 
Bob McGinn WR rankings

Excerpt:

#2 Matthew Golden: “He is a great kid, and he could rise because of who he is,” said a third scout. “There’s not a whole lot of negatives on him other than (size). He’s fast enough to play outside. He doesn’t have runaway, home-run speed as a returner but it’s good enough.” Third-year junior from Houston. “Crafty little guy,” a fourth scout said. “Doesn’t have great hands. Not much magic after the catch. You have to get it to him quick. Just a guy, really. I don’t see him being a starter.”
Click to expand...
 
crushedspirit said:
Greg Cossell likes him a lot film and believes he will ascend once he gets into the NFL.

He said the same thing about Brian Thomas last season.
Click to expand...

Ross Tucker Podcast
“The guy that jumped out to me was Matthew Golden from Texas…”

“…I don't think he plays exactly to his 4.29 40 yard dash time.”

@GregCosell with an interesting observation on his WR1 in the 2025 NFL Draft:
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So he's some ppls #1 WR in the class, and you have a scout saying this guy isn't even a starter in the NFL.

Christ almighty, no wonder I can't get a read on this kid... No one seems to be able to
 
Faust said:
Bob McGinn WR rankings

Excerpt:

#2 Matthew Golden: “He is a great kid, and he could rise because of who he is,” said a third scout. “There’s not a whole lot of negatives on him other than (size). He’s fast enough to play outside. He doesn’t have runaway, home-run speed as a returner but it’s good enough.” Third-year junior from Houston. “Crafty little guy,” a fourth scout said. “Doesn’t have great hands. Not much magic after the catch. You have to get it to him quick. Just a guy, really. I don’t see him being a starter.”
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Anyone got a link to McGinns whole writeup for WR's, and TE's/RB's for that matter? And by link I mean one I can access without paying. I know he takes some heat for these draft profiles and the anonymous criticism he mentions but I miss reading them since he went out on his own, just not enough to add another subsription to read 2-3 articles.
 
Film guys I follow praise him, so I'm not sure what these other scouts are going by. If he's picked up by a team with a solid X WR, I think he can flourish as a flanker or in the slot. A few guys touched upon the possible NFL comp being Addison, including Matt Harmon.
 
Football Insights
Matthew Golden earned himself a ton in those end of season performances

Through Week 14
- 1.66 YPRR
- 0.16 TPRR
- 48 YPG

Last 4 Games (Clemson, Georgia, ASU, OSU)
- 3.37 YPRR
- 0.24 TPRR
- 102.8 YPG
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Scott Barrett
This is all Matthew Golden has. He's not even a one-year wonder; he's a four-game wonder. And those games all came with Isaiah Bond was hurt.

When Isaiah Bond was healthy, he was the true WR1 of the team
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Read the same concerns regarding Golden when playing with or without Bond.I dunno, I think I'd rather be wrong about him then burning a mid 1st and he busts.
 
Cory Mose
I asked coach Sarkisian about Matthew's rise up the draft boards and how he developed during his time at Texas

Sark acknowledged Golden's work ethic to learn a new scheme is a true example of who he is

"He's a worker, he's a blue collar guy...He tries to do things the right way. As the season went on it made more sense to him and it's just continued on throughout this draft process"
#HookEm | #Texas
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Colt McCoy
“The only question was his speed, and then he goes out and runs that time at the combine.." - Steve Sarkisian thinks that Matthew Golden has no unanswered questions heading into the Draft after running an incredible 40 at the combine
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Dynasty Zoltan
Matthew Golden is a twitchy, explosive route runner, with sharp stems that instantly create separation, and the requisite strong hands and body control to match.

He's weirdly getting faded BECAUSE of his 4.29 speed.

His production was low. That's Texas / Ewers.

He's legit.
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Reel Analytics
These clips highlight Matthew Golden’s ability to create separation and get open.

His IGA Score® of 73.4 ranks in the 73rd percentile among WRs, reflecting his in-game athleticism and playmaking ability.
Click to expand...
 
Scott Barrett
Matthew Golden is not a Round 1-caliber WR prospect based on the analytics
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He hit 61.7 receiving YPG in his best season (2024), which would be the worst mark of any Round 1 WR in over a decade
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All Round 1 WRs to Average <85.0 YPG in Best NCAA Season (2014-2025)

Matthew Golden (61.7)*
Henry Ruggs (62.0)
Phillip Dorsett (67.0)
Calvin Ridley (69.7)
Kelvin Benjamin (72.2)
Xavier Worthy (72.4)
Quentin Johnston (76.2)
Jalen Reagor (80.0)
Breshad Perriman (80.3)
John Ross (81.4)

*projected Round 1 pick
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The year before that, he finished 3rd on the Cougars in receiving yards per game behind Sam Brown and Joseph Manjack IV.

I swear those are real names I didn't just make up.
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Golden isn't even a one-year wonder; he's really just a four-game wonder. And those games came when Isaiah Bond was hurt. When healthy, Bond looked like the Longhorns' true WR1.

(So we can't just blame poor QB-play)
Click to expand...

Sure, he's freakishly fast. But so are all of the greatest Day 1-2 busts of the past two decades.
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Except, I don't even think he's really that fast. I think his 40-time was incorrectly timed.

At the very least, he doesn't play up to that speed in real games

Per @RAanalytics:

Bond (2024): 22.1 mph max speed
Golden (2024): 19.9 mph max speed
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To counter all of the draft capital zealots within the fantasy community. Even if the (potentially fraudulent) 40 pushes him up to Round 1, he's still of the "better in real football than fantasy" archetype

His 0.188 career TPRR ranks 43rd of 48 Combine-invite WRs from this year's class and in the 9th percentile among all Round 1-2 WRs this past decade
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